Fall's Final Gifts

While most of the once colorful trees here in the Hudson River Valley have shed their leaves for an austere pre-winter look, the Japanese Maple at Cafe Drake HRV flaunts its deep red brilliance.

The Cafe Drake HRV gardens, now barren and dormant, held one last surprise - watermelon radishes. Named after their reddish-pink interior and a cousin to the familiar daikon radish, the flavor is less piquant than the typical red variety, and like daikon, they're delicious both raw and braised.

To preserve the surprising hue, serve watermelon radishes uncooked. Cafe Drake HRV slices them paper thin for salads and dices the hearty root vegetable for (somewhat) spicy garnishes on tacos and burgers.